New York Republicans who support marriage equality see campaign boost

The Republican senators who voted to legalized marriage equality have seen an infusion in campaign cash from gay-rights activists across the country, records filed with the state Board of Elections show. Sens. James Alesi of Perinton, Monroe County; Mark Gristani of Buffalo and Roy McDonald of Saratoga all received at least $50,000 from gay-right supporters in the days following their vote. The four Republican senators are expected to face strong opposition from conservatives when they plan to seek re-election next year. The National Organization for Marriage is pledging to spend $2 million to defeat the senators, and the state Conservative Party is vowing not to back their elections.